Need help deciding if a 3 inch lift on a 4cyl is a good idea

I know there are several posts about lifts and I've read just about every single one if them. I can't decide on getting a bilstein 5100 ride height adjustable leveling kit or a 3 inch lift. I would really like a 3 inch lift if the gas mileage and other problems don't occur. And are lift kits easy to install yourself? I need help lot of questions left unanswered I can spend under about $1000 on a lift since I'm still in school but saving up for other fabrications if the lift is a good idea.

 

Tires change the MPG--lift does not.

 

What size tires would look fine with a 3 inch lift?

 

Your best bet for info on maximum(and best) size is in the wheel and tire section.

 

let me know if you have difficulty finding the section--its left
"WHEELS AND TIRES"

 

lifts--billies-can be done in the driveway-YES-you can do it at home.
You will need a spring compressor for the fronts-auto parts stores loan them for free.

 

I say go for it and just cause your a 4cyl doesnt mean you cant lift it haha. You can find a descent full suspension lift for under $1K and install it yourself with a friend or 2. You can go up to 33" tires with a 3" lift with some minor trimming.

 

Actually, it can, and it did to mine.
I went from 24 to 22 just from installing my lift.

If you don't believe me, pick up a physics book and read the chapter on aerodynamics.

33's.

 

I think I'm going to go with the lift. In the future, guess this high schooler needs to start cutting grass.

 

What would be the best lift for under 1k?

 

Do you have an auto or stick? Also your mileage will go down with larger tires, I'm assuming you would want 285's?

 

Stick I'm running 265 right now on stock and it'll be awhile before I purchase new tires so I'll just run smaller tired for a while

 

Well I run 33x12.50x15 with the 4 banger and have a spacer lift now and I just ordered the bilsteins 5100s all the way around and gotta order an AAL buty little 4 banger hauls the tires around fine but there is a slightly power decrease but not too much.

 

What's the gas mileage like? And the power is about the same?

 

Is the spacer lift rough like everyone says? That would be a cheaper price

 

The gas mileage is about 18-19 most times sometimes alittle les but it ain't bad and no the power loss isn't too significant but it's there you add a few things like headers and intake and whatever you'll make up for it. Mine still has a lot I pep in its step and I have yet to supercharge it so. On the issue of the spacer lift DON'T DO IT!!! It's rough that why I'm going to the bilstein 5100's all the way around with AAL.
If your going to lift do it right it's rough as hell with the spacer lift especially when your trail riding.

 

Alright I guess I'm saving up for a lift and soon then after a CAI thanks for your help I'm looking forward to getting a lift in the near future

 

Or would bilstens 5100 adjustable ride height in the front and bilstens in the rear just do it justice

 

Under $1000 2.5-3'' lift for your truck.....

Old Man EMU 884's- $160+shipping (wheelers offroad)

Bilsten 5100's all around set at 0'' in the front- $400 or very close to it

2in add a leaf in the rear- $80+shipping (wheelers offroad)

Perfectly capable offroad and smooth onroad

and looks fine with 265's

Only difference is i have 17's wrapped with 265's

 

I have 17s with 265s